Browsing by Author "Cicione, A"
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- Collecting system percutaneous access using real-time tracking sensors: first pig model in vivo experiencePublication . Rodrigues, PL; Vilaça, JL; Oliveira, C; Cicione, A; Rassweiler, J; Fonseca, J; Rodrigues, NF; Correia-Pinto, J; Lima, EPURPOSE: Precise needle puncture of the renal collecting system is a challenging and essential step for successful percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). This works aims to evaluate the efficiency of a new real-time electromagnetic tracking (EMT) system for in vivo kidney puncture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six anesthetized female pigs underwent ureterorenoscopies in order to place a catheter with an EMT sensor into the desired puncture site and to ascertain the success of puncture. Subsequently, a tracked needle with a similar EMT sensor was navigated into the sensor inside the catheter. Four punctures were performed by two surgeons in each pig: one in the kidney and one in the middle ureter, on both right and left pig sides. Number of attempts and time needed to evaluate the virtual trajectory and to perform the percutaneous puncture were outcomes measurements. RESULTS: Overall 24 punctures were easily performed without any complications. Surgeons required more time to evaluate the trajectory during ureteral puncture than kidney (median 15 versus 13 seconds, range 14 to 18 and 11 to 16 seconds, respectively; p= 0.1). The median renal and ureteral puncture time were 19 and 51 seconds respectively (range 14 to 45 and 45 to 67; p=0.003). Two attempts were needed to achieve a successful ureteral puncture. The presented technique demands presence of renal stone for testing. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed EMT solution for renal collecting system puncture proved to be highly accurate, simple and quicker. This method might represent a paradigm shift in percutaneous kidney access techniques.
- Three-dimensional vs standard laparoscopy: comparative assessment using a validated program for laparoscopic urologic skillsPublication . Cicione, A; Autorino, R; Breda, A; De Sio, M; Damiano, R; Fusco, F; Greco, F; Carvalho-Dias, E; Mota, P; Nogueira, C; Pinho, P; Mirone, V; Correia-Pinto, J; Rassweiler, J; Lima, EOBJECTIVE: To compare the last generation of 3-dimensional imaging (3D) vs standard 2-dimensional imaging (2D) laparoscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted during the 4th Minimally Invasive Urological Surgical Week Course held in Braga (Portugal) in April 2013. The course participants and faculty were asked to perform standardized tasks in the dry laboratory setting and randomly assigned into 2 study groups; one starting with 3D, the other with 2D laparoscopy. The 5 tasks of the European Training in Basic Laparoscopic Urological Skills were performed. Time to complete each task and errors made were recorded and analyzed. An end-of-study questionnaire was filled by the participants. RESULTS: Ten laparoscopic experts and 23 laparoscopy-naïve residents were included. Overall, a significantly better performance was obtained using 3D in terms of time (1115 seconds, interquartile range [IQR] 596-1469 vs 1299 seconds, IQR 620-1723; P = .027) and number of errors (2, IQR 1-3 vs 3, IQR 2-5.5; P = .001). However, the experts were faster only in the "peg transfer" task when using the 3D, whereas naïves improved their performance in 3 of the 5 tasks. A linear correlation between level of experience and performance was found. Three-dimensional imaging was perceived as "easier" by a third of the laparoscopy-naïve participants (P = .027). CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional imaging seems to facilitate surgical performance of urologic surgeons without laparoscopic background in the dry laboratory setting. The advantage provided by 3D for those with previous laparoscopic experience remains to be demonstrated. Further studies are needed to determine the actual advantage of 3D over standard 2D laparoscopy in the clinical setting.